Friday, June 24, 2016

June 25, 2016

"Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."  Luke 5:5-11

Four steps, or phases or stages of following Jesus are portrayed in this dramatic story of the call of His first disciples. I have been tracing those steps!

First there is the listen and learn phase. Scores of people gathered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee to listen to Jesus and learn from His teaching. Among them were four fishermen who would become followers; Peter, Andrew, James and John.

The next step was illustrated when Peter agreed to loan Jesus his boat so Jesus could use it to preach from. This moved Peter from a passive listener to a participating partner in the ministry of Jesus and all it took was a minor inconvenience on Peter's part.

In yesterday's post I shared the third step, doing what you always do but doing it Jesus' way. Peter went fishing during the say after not catching anything the night before and did it only because Jesus wanted Him to.

So, follow begins with hearing truth, then taking some time, using your talents and then by turning it all over to Jesus!

That brings us to today's episode of the story!

When Peter decided to do something he had never done before and something he had serious doubts about - cast his fishing nets into the lake in broad daylight out of obedience to Jesus - he experienced a miraculous catch of fish!

It took two boats to haul in the catch and they barely made it to shore!

Wow! Who saw that coming?

Peter didn't! He went from worry to wonder in a few minutes flat! When he saw the "scale" of the catch he simply fell at the feet of Jesus in surrender!

It was the goodness of God that brought Peter to repentance!

This is where Peter became a follower. This was the beginning of a life-changing relationship. He left his nets, he left his boat, he left the only life he had known and turned over the business to his family.

So, that's how following happens! Step by step!

What is your next step?